Overhead trolley fixture



April 19, w3. L. c. SPENCER OVERHEAD TROLLEY FIXTURE Filed June 26, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR WITNESSES:

April w, was. L C, SPENCER 2,114,864

OVERHEAD TROLLEY FIXTURE .Filed June 26, 193e 4 sheets-sheet 2 :ie 2/- /3 S' /37 A2M v 1 V2 WITNESSES:l j INVENTORY d. y on Spence/T pkl 19, 1938. s... c. SPENCER OVERHEAD TROLLEY FIXTURE Filed June 26, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR WITNESSES:

April 19, 193s. L., c. FENCE-R OVERHEAD TROLLEY FIXTURE 4 Sheets-Sheet.' 4

Filed June 26, 1936 INVENTOR of? C. Spencer' WITNESSES:

Patented Apr. 19, 1938 MNTEU STATES' Allawi PATENT OFFQE 23 Claims.

My invention relates, in general, to overhead trolley systems and it has reference in particular to overhead trolley fixtures such as frogs, crossings and the like.

Under the present closely competitive operating conditions in trolley and trolley bus systems, maintenance of schedules and reduction of expense are two important factors. Failure of the overhead system is highly disruptive t 0 schedule maintenance, and to prevent it, periodic replacement of worn parts, such as frogs and crossings, is necessary. This entails the use of much equipment and the expenditure of much valuable time, in the case of the conventional l type of overhead iixture. Traffic is tied up by the tower Wagons necessary to out out a worn frog or crossing, valuable time is consumed, and bus and trolley car schedules are ruined. The actual cost of the repair parts may be small, but o the time and money involved in the replacement may be quite excessive.

In addition to the time and labor necessaryV One object, therefore, of my invention sto provide a trolley fixture for overhead trolley systems that shall be readily installed and easily and inexpensively maintained. f 354 Another object of my invention is to provide a trolley fixture having interchangeable wearing parts that shall be inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

A further object of my invention is toprovide a line of trolley fixtures that shall be readily adaptable to a number of different settings or operating conditions' using the same integral parts.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a line of trolley fixtures having renewable Wearing parts which are adjustable to a large number of angular settings.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a line of trolley xtures through which the trolley wire may be continuous, or in which it may be terminated, which may be readily installed and of which the Wearing parts may be easily replaced and largely interchangeable.

Other objects will in part be obvious, and in part appear hereinafter. My invention, accordingly,.is disclosed in the embodiments hereof shown in the accompanying drawings,` and comprises the features of construetion, combination of elements and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the description hereinafter set forth, and in the scope of the application of Which will be indicated in the appended claims.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and scope of my invention, reference may be had to the .following detailed description taken l0 in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure 1 is a top plan view of one form of a trolley cross-over embodying my invention;

Fig. 2'is. a sectional view taken along the line l5 II--II of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional View taken along the line III--IIIof Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a top plan View of another form of trolley cross-over embodying the principles of 20 my invention;

Fig. 5 isa sectional elevational View taken along the line V-V of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a sectional elevational view taken along the line VI-VI of Fig. 4; 25

Fig. '7 is a topplan View of a trolley frog embodying the principal features of my invention;

Fig. `8 is a sectional elevational view of Fig. '7 along vthe line VIII-VIII;

Fig. 9 is a sectional View taken along the line 30 IX-fIX of Fig. '7;

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the renewable runner portion of the trolley frog illustrated in Fig.` 7;

Fig. 11 is a sectional View taken along the line 35 "Xl-XI of Fig. l0;

Fig. 12 is a bottom plan view of a trolley seatving member used on the fixtures shown in Figs. 1,

4, and Y7; and

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the seating mem- 40 ber taken along the line XIII- XIII of Fig. 12.

Referring particularly to Figs. l, 2, and 3, the reference numeral I0 denotes, generally, one form of trolley crossing embodying my invention. It comprises a main plate member II, a plurality of 45 trolley Wire seating members l2, adapted to align the intersecting trolley wires I3, and a plurality of renewable runner portions i4 and I5, disposed to guide a current collector (not shown) through the intersection. 50

The mainplate member II may be provided with'eyes I6 for securing it in position in the overhead: system. Trolley Wire recesses Il may be provided in the main plate member II by the upwardly sloping channels in which the trolley 55 wires I3 are disposed to be secured by any suitable means, such as the U-bolts I8 which may pass through arcuate slots 22 in the plate member II.

To maintain the trolley wires I3 in fixed relation, the seating members I2 may be provided with a longitudinal groove I9 as shown in Figs. 3 and 13, in which the trolley Wires I3 are disposed to lie. An offset positioning flange 20, which may be an integral part of the seating member I2, is adapted, in conjunction with the bolts 2l and the arcuate slots 22, to secure the seating member I2 to the main plate member II.

The renewable runner portions I4 and I5, which may comprise channel-like members having a closed beveled end 23, may be secured to the main plate II by offset positioning fianges 24, at least one of which is positioned in opposite relation to the positioning flange 2U of the trolley wire seating member I2, and bolts 2I passing through the arcuate slots 22 of the main plate member II. A spacing member 26 is adapted to relatively position the bolts 2|, and the U-bolts I3. The renewable runner portions I4 and I5 are disposed to provide, in conjunction with the central guide member 21, which may be positioned in any suitable manner such as by bolts 28, a substantially smooth path for a current collector.

To provide a smooth approach, the armored approach members 29 are secured about the trolley wire I3. These approach members may be constructed in any suitable manner, as from a flat strip of a conducting material, such as sheet copper, being formed into a U-shaped channel, and then crimped about the trolley wire.

Figs. 4, 5, and 6 show how the principles of the invention may be applied to a trolley cross-over of another type. The reference numeral 30 denotes generally a 90 degree cross-over having a main plate member 3l and a unitary renewable runner portion 32 provided with integral runners 33 and 34, a central guide portion 35 and integral offset positioning fianges 36.

This cross-over is also provided with trolley wire seating members I2 having positioning flanges 20 oppositely positioned with respect to the fianges 36 on the runner portion 32. The runner portion 32 is secured to the main plate member by means of bolts 31 while the seating members I2 are secured thereto by means of bolts 2I. Approach members 29 are also provided to be crimped about the trolley wire I3 to secure a smooth approach for a current collector.

As shown in Fig. 5, the trolley wires I3 may be terminated at the U-bolts I8, instead of being continuous as shown in Fig. 2.

Referring to Figs. 7, 8, and 9, the reference numeral 4D denotes, generally, a trolley frog embodying the same principles of the invention. It may comprise a main plate member 4I having eyes 42 for securing the frog in an overhead trolley system. The upwardly inclined trolley Wire channels 43, in the main plate member 4I, are disposed to accommodate the trolley wire I3, it being maintained in fixed relation by securing means, shown as U-bolts I8.

In this embodiment of my invention, a unitary runner portion 44 may be secured to the main plate member 4I by integral offset flanges 45 and bolts 46 passing through the main plate member. The positioning fianges 45 are disposed to be oppositely positioned to the integral flanges 20 which with the bolts 2I secure the trolley wire seating members I2 to the plate member 4 I.

From Fig. 10, which is a top plan view of the renewable runner portion 44, it may be seen that this portion may comprise a pair of channel-like intersecting guide members 41 and 48, and an integral central pan portion 49 on which a current collector (not shown) is disposed to ride as it traverses the frog. 'I'he adjacent ends of the guide members 41 and 48 are beveled at the junction end so as to provide a smooth transition for the current collector. The edges of the central pan portion 49 are disposed to be upturned forming. guiding vanes 5U and 5I to assist in guiding the current collector as it passes the intersection.

From the foregoing, it may be seen that in my invention I provide a line of trolley fixtures that not only have renewable wearing parts, which are largely interchangeable, but which are easy to manufacture and which are adustable so that a small number of parts only are required for a large number of different applications. Such a fixture is easily installed in an overhead system, and when once installed is easily and economically maintained. A minimum of time and equipment is necessary to renew worn parts, and as the runner portions are largely adjustable, only a small stock of fixtures is required to cover renewal parts for a large number of different angle intersections.

Although I have illustrated and described specific embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that many modifications thereof and changes therein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and that all the matter set forth in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a trolley device, in combination, a main plate member having upwardly recessed trolley wire channels through the member, means for securing trolley wires therein, detachable trolley ire seating members secured to the main plate by positioning flanges on one side of the seating members, and a removable runner portion secured to the main plate by integral side fianges oppositely related to those of the seating members and disposed to secure a smooth transition of a current collector in conjunction with the seating members and trolley wires.

2. In an overhead trolley fixture, in combination, a main plate member having supporting means, means for attaching the trolley wires to the main plate member, a plurality of trolley wire aligning seating members secured to the plate member by integral fianges on one side of the seating member, renewable runner portions secured to the plate member by at least one integral flange positioned in opposed relation to the flanges of the seating members.

3. In a trolley conductor fixture, in combination, a rigid main plate member having upwardly inclined trolley wire channels extending from the lower face to a central opening through the member, means for securing trolley wires therein from the underside of the plate, longitudinally grooved trolley wire seating means for aligning a trolley wire secured to the underside of the plate member by an integral flange portion on one side of the seating means, and a removable runner portion secured to the underside of the plate member by an integral flange oppositely positioned with respect to the flange on the seating means and adapted to cooperate with the trolley wires and seating means to secure a smooth transition of the current collector.

4. In an overhead trolley xture, -in 'combination, a main plate member having trolley wire recesses formed integrally in the lower side thereof, vmeans for securing trolley wires in said recesses, a plurality of groovedseating members disposed to position the trolley wires each secured to the plate member by an integral side flange, and a renewablerunner member having Van oppositely positioned flange adapted to secure it to the main plate member.

5. Inatrolley device-in combination, ra main plate member having'a trolley wirerecess on the lower side, means for securing l-a trolley `wire therein, supporting means to positionlthe plate member, aY plurality of grooved seating members adapted tov align a trolley wire 4and removably secured to the-main plate by integral side iianges, and a renewable runner portion -having an oppositely positioned-side'flange for securing it about the seating member to secure a smooth transition of a current collector.

6. In a trolley iixture, in combination, a main plate member, a plurality of separate angularly adjustable runner portions detachably secured to the main plate, a plurality of separate guide members secured to the main plate cooperative to align a trolley wire and maintain it in operating relation, and a renewable approach member adapted to be pressed into engagementwith a trolley wire and a guide member to ysecure it in operating relation with said fixture.

7. In a trolley frog, in combination, a main plate member, means adapted to secure a vplurality of trolley wires thereto, a removable wearing portion secured tothe main plate, a plurality 0I" detachable wire seating membersrsecured to the main vplate between the main plate and the removable wearing portion `adapted Yto position associated trolley wires and approach members detachably secured in crimped engagement about a trolley wire and to the seating members to provide a smooth approach.

8. In a trolley frog, in combination, a main plate member having recessed channels disposed to receive trolley wires from the lower side, means for securing the trolley wires therein, grooved wire seating means removably attached to the underside of the plate member between said trolley wires and plate member for aligning the trolley Wires, and a removable runner portion disposed to be secured to the main plate to guide a current collector across the frog.

9. A trolley frog, comprising, in combination, a main plate having Vgrooved trolley Wire channels in the lower side disposed to receive trolley wires, means for securing trolley wires in Y said channels, a plurality of trolley wire seat members disposed between the trolley wires and the main plate adapted to position said trolley wires, and a unitary replaceable runner member adapted to be positioned about said seat members and trolley wires to provide a smooth passage for a current collector.

10. In a trolley frog, in combination, a main plate member provided with uprising grooved channels in the underside disposed to receive trolley wires therein, clamping means adapted to secure the trolley wires therein to the main plate member, a plurality of longitudinally grooved ilanged seat members removably secured to the main plate member and disposed to align the trolley wires, a runner portion detachably secured to the main plate, and approach members adapted to be clinched into engagement with the trolley Wires and the seat vmembers to provide a smooth approach `for a current collector.

11. In -a trolley frog, in combination, a main plate member'having grooves in the underside to receive trolley wires, a plurality of longitudinallygroovedseat `members removablysecured to the plate member to align the trolley wires in the grooves of the plate, a wear portion detachablysecured to the main plate member and having related runners integral'with a central pan portion on which the current collector rides during transitiom'a renewable approach member adapttd to be pressed into engagement about a trolley wireand akgiooved seat member to secure said approach 'member in operating relation with said l Wear portion to provide a smooth approach for a current collector, and means for securing the trolley wires in operating relation to the wear portion independently of said wear portion and approach member.

12. In a trolley frog, in combination, a pair of intersecting trolley wires, a main plate member having upwardly inclined channels on the lower side for receiving the trolley wires, means for securing trolley wires therein, a plurality of seat members disposed -to align the trolley wires, a detachable runner portion having a pair of intersecting runners disposed to envelop the trolley wires to guide a current collector in a predetermined direction and an integral central pan portion on which the current collector may ride through the intersection, and a plurality of appro-ach Vmembers detachably secured to the seat members and trolley wires adapted to ensure a smooth transition of the current collector.

13. In a trolley device, a main plate member having upwardly grooved and intersecting trolley wire channels therein, means for securing trolley wires therein, a plurality oi arcuate slots in the body memben'a plurality of runner members detachablypositioned in adjustable relation on the main plate member in conjunction with the arcuate slots, a plurality of longitudinal seat members disposed in conjunction with the arcuate slots vand runner-members to align the trolley wires, and a plurality of removable approach members adapted to be secured about a trolley wire and to a seat member to provide a smooth approach.

14. A trolley crossing comprising, in combination, a main plate member provided with reinforcing ribs on one side and upwardly inclined trolley Wire channels on the lower side, means for securing trolley Wires therein, a plurality of trolley wire seat members adjustably secured to the plate member in conjunction with a plurality of arcuate slots therein, and a plurality of adjustable runner members detachably secured to the plate member in conjunction with the arcuate slots and adapted to guide a current collector.

15. In a trolley crossing, a main plate member having centrally intersecting upwardly inclined trolley wire channels therethrough, means to secure trolley Wires therein, a plurality of trolley wire seat members secured to the main plate to align the trolley wires and having an outwardly projecting notched end portion, a removable runner portion disposed tocooperate with the intersecting trolley Wires to positively guide a current collector, and a plurality of renewable approach sheaths cooperative with the seat members and runner portion to provide a smooth transition of the collector.

16. In a trolley crossing, in combination, a main plate member having upwardly inclined trolley wire recesses on the lower side with means for securing trolley wires therein, a plurality of longitudinal trolley wire seat members adapted to maintain intersecting trolley wires in position, and a detachable runner plate secured to the main plate having intersecting runners and a central guide portion integral therewith to form a smooth intersection, and a plurality of removable approach members.

17. In a trolley crossing, in combination, a recessed main plate member with means for engaging a trolley wire therein, a plurality of trolley wire seating members secured to the main plate by integral side flanges, and a renewable runner portion provided with integral side flanges disposed in opposition to those of the seating members for securing the runner portion to the main plate.

18. In a trolley crossing, in combination, a recessed main plate member provided with engaging means for securing a trolley wire on the underside of the plate and supporting means for positioning the member, a plurality of trolley wire seating members detachably secured to the main plate by an integral flange on one side of a seating member, and a renewable runner portion having integral side flanges oppositely positioned to the flanges on the seating members for securing the runner portion in cooperative relation with the seating members.

19. In a trolley crossing, in combination, a rigid main plate having recessed trolley wire channels through the plate with means for securing trolley wires therein, a plurality of seat members secured to the plate adapted to align trolley wires, a removable runner portion having a pair of intersecting guide runners and a central guide portion integral therewith disposed to be secured to the main plate, and a plurality of tapered approach members disposed to be secured about a trolley wire and to a seat member to secure a smooth approach.

20. In a trolley crossing, in combination, a rigid plate member having recessed trolley wire channels inclined upwardly through the body, means therein for engaging trolley wires, a plurality of longitudinally grooved seat members adjustably secured in conjunction with a plurality of arcuate slots in the plate member to align the trolley wil'es, a plurality of separate runner members adjustably secured in conjunction with arcuate slots in the main plate to provide a renewable guide means for a current collector at the intersection oi the trolley wires, and renewable armored approach means crimped about the trolley wire to secure a smooth approach.

2l. The combination in a trolley device of a main body member, a grooved seating member provided with a recessed end portion adapted t0 position and align a trolley wire, a separate renewable runner member secured to the body member, and separate approach means, comprising a sheath adapted to be crimped about a trolley wire and a recessed portion of a seating member to secure said sheath in operating relation with said body member and runner member and provide a smooth approach thereto.

22. The combination comprising, a trolley fixture having a body member, a grooved seating member with a recessed end adapted for positioning a trolley wire in said groove in operating relation with said body member, renewable runner means associated with said body member, and separate renewable approach means adapted to be pressed about the trolley wire and recessed end of the seating means to independently secure said approach means in operating relation with said body member and runner means and provide a smooth approach thereto.

23. The combination in a iixture for a trolley system of a rigid body member, a plurality of separate grooved trolley wire seating members disposed between a trolley wire and said body member to position and align the trolley wire, means for securing the trolley wire in xed relation with said seating members and body member, renewable runner means adapted to be detachably secured to the body member about a seating member, and approach means comprising a metallic sheath adapted to be pressed about a trolley wire and a seating member to secure it in juxtaposition with said runner means to provide a smooth approach thereto.

LON C. SPENCER. 

